A Level choices

I'm just finishing my GCSEs and am currently trying to finalise A level options. I've applied for Maths, Biology, Physics and English Lang, but I'm thinking of potentially switching Physics to Chemistry and then possibly switching Maths to History. I'm wondering how Physics and Chemistry compare both to each other at A level and also to their respective GCSE courses in terms of difficulty and also enjoyment of the subject. I'm also wondering if Maths would be a necessity for Chemistry or if it's just useful for uni. Thanks!

Reply 1

baccylaureat

It's smart to take maths if you're doing A-level sciences, and it'll make things easier, but I'd say you only really NEED maths if you're doing Physics. For the rest, honestly depends what your uni plans are. You have to look into subject requirements before you pick your A-levels.

Assuming you're wanting to do science at uni, I don't really see the point of taking Eng Lang and History. If you prefer chem then you could take Maths, Chem, Bio & one humanity for breadth. I'd probably go for History over Eng Lang (even though it is a slightly more knowledge-dense course) because unis like it more as a breadth subject, whereas Lang has less transferrable knowledge imo.

Reply 2

Camer0nR

Cheers!

Reply 3

McGinger

Every Uni is different but as a few examples :

Manchester (2025 entry - Department of Chemistry - The University of Manchester) - Chemistry and at least one other science subject.

Bath (Chemistry courses (bath.ac.uk)) want Chemistry and at least one other 'science/maths related' subject (but that includes Economics, Psychology and Geography). There is a reduced grade offer if you are taking Chemistry and 2 subjects from the 'science' list.

Sussex (Chemistry, undergraduate courses : University of Sussex) - only requires Chemistry

It really doesn't matter what you take as any additional subject - it will only be the grade that they are interested in, not 'breadth of subjects' - so pick something you will enjoy studying and where you feel confident of a good grade.

Its also worth looking at Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Science etc.

Reply 4

Camer0nR

Thanks for that!

Reply 5

lalexm

Original post by Camer0nR

For those doing 2 sciences, physics/bio is a very unusual combination. Most people do physics/chem or chem/bio, as they are more closely related. In most cases it won’t stop you getting into your chosen degree course, but something to consider if your course has modules in the subject you are not taking.